Air Pollution Spike: Ghaziabad again emerges as India’s most polluted city, GRAP enforced

The situation deteriorated further in several parts of the district, including Vasundhara, Indirapuram, and Loni, where AQI levels also crossed the 300 mark.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 30 January 2026, 6:58 PM IST

Ghaziabad once again ranks as India’s most polluted city

Sahibabad: Despite ongoing efforts to curb air pollution, Ghaziabad once again emerged as the most polluted city in the country on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising sharply to 303, placing it in the very poor category.

The situation deteriorated further in several parts of the district, including Vasundhara, Indirapuram, and Loni, where AQI levels also crossed the 300 mark.

A day earlier, Ghaziabad’s overall AQI stood at 272, but a sudden spike pushed the city back into the severe pollution bracket after briefly remaining in the orange zone.

While Sanjay Nagar recorded comparatively better air quality and remained in the orange category, pollution levels there were still considered unhealthy.

Ankit Singh, Regional Officer of the Pollution Control Board, said continuous action is being taken to control emissions. He confirmed that Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures are currently in force, and a detailed study is underway to identify pollution sources, particularly in Vasundhara.

AQI Levels in Ghaziabad Areas (January 30, 2026)
Area AQI
Ghaziabad (Overall) 303
Indirapuram 308
Loni 342
Vasundhara 314
Sanjay Nagar 248

Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities as air quality remains hazardous across most parts of the district.